Cetology: meaning, definitions and examples
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cetology
[ sɪˈtɒlədʒi ]
study of whales
Cetology is a branch of marine biology that focuses on the study of cetaceans, which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This field involves understanding the behavior, physiology, and ecology of these marine mammals. Scientists in cetology conduct research to learn about cetacean populations, migration patterns, communication methods, and their roles within marine ecosystems. The study of cetology often requires extensive fieldwork, including observations and interactions with these animals in their natural habitats.
Synonyms
marine biology, marine mammalogy, whale science.
Examples of usage
- She is pursuing a degree in cetology to study the behavior of dolphins.
- Cetology research has revealed significant insights into whale migration patterns.
- He published a paper on the impact of climate change on cetology.
- Cetology is crucial for the conservation of endangered whale species.
Translations
Translations of the word "cetology" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cetologia
🇮🇳 सिटोलॉजी
🇩🇪 Zoologie der Wale
🇮🇩 cetologi
🇺🇦 цетологія
🇵🇱 cetologia
🇯🇵 鯨類学
🇫🇷 cétologie
🇪🇸 cetología
🇹🇷 cetoloji
🇰🇷 고래학
🇸🇦 علم الحيتان
🇨🇿 cetologie
🇸🇰 cetológia
🇨🇳 鲸类学
🇸🇮 cetologija
🇮🇸 hvalafræði
🇰🇿 китология
🇬🇪 კიტოლოგია
🇦🇿 cetologiya
🇲🇽 cetología
Etymology
The term 'cetology' is derived from the Greek word 'ketos', which means 'whale', and the suffix '-ology' from the Greek 'logia', meaning 'study of'. The study of whales and other cetaceans began in earnest with the rise of modern science in the 18th century, although observations of these animals date back much further. In the early days, much of what was known about cetaceans came from hunting and whaling activities. It wasn't until the 20th century that a more systematic and scientific approach to studying these animals emerged. Organizations and universities began to focus specifically on cetology as awareness of conservation efforts grew. Today, cetology encompasses a wide range of research including the genetics of whales, their social structures, and the impact of human activity on their populations, reflecting a crucial intersection of marine biology and environmental science.